If you have a touchscreen, scrolling with finger by just touching the screen when browsing web pages is a convenient and easy way to navigate the Web. However, if you’re using Waterfox web browser, especially after Waterfox version 36, the touch scrolling does not work. The web pages loaded in Waterfox simply won’t move up, down, left or right when you try to scroll or swipe by using finger. Instead, you need to touch on the scroll bars to move the web pages.
The issue also happens on Waterfox version 37, 38, 39, 40 and potentially future versions. The problem happens despite the corresponding version of Firefox, of which Waterfox is based on, does not have the same issue, and can support finger touch scrolling.
Resolution
Try to change the value for the dom.w3c_pointer_events.enabled and/or dom.w3c_touch_events.enabled to see if touch scrolling works. To do so:
In Waterfox, go to about:config URL.
In “This might void your warranty!” page, click or tap on I’ll be careful, I promise! button.
Search for the dom.w3c_pointer_events.enabled preference, and change its value to false.
Optional: Search for the dom.w3c_touch_events.enabled, and set its value to 1 if the above configuration change alone does not work.
LK is a technology writer for Tech Journey with background of system and network administrator. He has be documenting his experiences in digital and technology world for over 15 years.Connect with LK through Tech Journey on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.
